Lasker Skating Rink/Pool551

Lasker was built in the 1960s and occupies a magnificent upper Central Park site at the end of the Loch and overlooking the Harlem Meer.

While Central Park's other rink, Wollman, converts its ice rink into a summertime amusement park, Lasker Rink morphs into a public swimming pool for the summer months.

The pool, one of the most popular, and hence most crowded, in the city, opens July 1st and closes after Labor Day; it's open seven days a week from 11am to 2:45pm, and 4pm to 6:45pm.

In its ice skating mode, Lasker has two oval rinks: one for high school hockey teams and one for all ages to skate on. Ice skating classes, hockey lessons, and party packages are all available.

Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 10am-3:45pm; Tue 10am-3:30pm & 8pm-10pm; Fri 10am-3:45pm & 7pm-11pm; Sat 1pm-11pm; Sun 12:30pm-4:30pm. Check website or phone for schedule changes, holiday hours, and closings due to inclement weather.

Fees: Adults $6.50; Children $3.50; Skate Rental $5.50; Lock rental 3.25 ($4 deposit).

Birthday party packages, for children ages four and up, include admission, children's skate rental, an enclosed sitting area, unlimited skating balloons, a children's menu, paper goods, and a personal party host. For an additional fee, party guests can take skating lessons or play games with one of the rink's certified skate instructors. The fee is $25 per child, with a minimum of 12 children. Call 917.492.3856 to schedule.